Conditions:A major winter storm with frigid temperatures slammed the Erie area this past Friday sending much of the area tribs into deep freeze and ice over and dumping a good deal of snow along the lakeshore. This, followed by a minor warming trend and some scattered precipitation blew things out and raised trib levels to fast and muddy. As of Tuesday afternoon, levels remained up but still muddy and flowing as the snow melts throughout the county.. Overnight temperatures over the next week are predicted in the twenties, perhaps bringing back additional ice. The fast moving water may prolong the freeze and could give way to good fishing conditions later this week. Current Lake Erie water temperature is 39 degrees.

Minnows (shiners) both live and salted along with egg sacs and single eggs are great winter choices for the spin anglers Fly anglers commonly use the sucker spawn patterns in white, chartreuse, peach, and pink. Sucker spawn patterns lace with a bit of flash can be deadly. Wooly buggers in olive, black and brown are good drifting choices as well. Slow reacting fish will often turn on to a skillfully worked micro jig tipped with a single maggot or a plastic worm drifted or bounced off the bottom. Anglers should continue to find good shoreline fishing at Trout and Godfrey runs throughout the winter months when Lake conditions cooperate up and continuing through ice over.

Winter Safety:Winter conditions along the tribs can offer some great steelhead fishing however, frigid conditions present a number of safety challenges to those hardy anglers. Winter time is good time to buddy up and avoid fishing alone, especially in the more remote areas. An unexpected slip or a soaking in frigid water is a good reason to have potential help nearby. Even though cell phone coverage improves daily, many of the areas in Western Erie County, especially along the lake shore offer minimal to no reception. Layering in warm clothing and covering the head and ears should be standard dress. Neoprene waders can provide good insulation as well. Frequent breaks and occasional walking while fishing will help keep the circulation moving and the body warm. Standing in ice water until the legs are numb can make an ice water spill a reality. Frequent snacks and warm drinks can help to replenish the energy robbed by the cold temperatures. A little extra care and preparation during the winter months will go a long way in keeping your angling experience safe and enjoyable.

Burbot:Anglers are beginning to target Burbot along the North Pier. Most Burbot are accidentally hooked by unsuspecting Perch anglers using minnows and perch rigs however, more and more anglers are going after them. Anglers specifically targeting Burbot will typically use the largest shiners they can get, often using two on one hook and fish them on the bottom. Large jigging spoons worked on the bottom can be worth a try as well. Burbot are a fresh water cod that enjoy the coldest depths of Great Lakes. As water temperatures drop, Burbot will move into shallower water and can often be caught from the North and South piers. Burbot has a mild taste and can be enjoyed fried, baked, or broiled.